21 Jun 2020

Debswana Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines general manager says they have placed the plant under care and maintenance as they undertake a market study for post COVID-19 mining operations. 

   Mr Bakani Motlhabani was addressing the Boteti sub-council meeting in Letlhakane on June 16. 

He said they were still monitoring the diamond market and would determine the mining model to adopt. 

He said they had not made a decision to downsize or shut down, adding that Cut-3 projects would continue. 

He added that the company’s corporate and social responsibility projects would also continue, and that they planned to hand out food relief packages in the sub-district post COVID-19. 

Mr Motlhabani also said Debswana was open to partnerships with other stakeholders to develop the region. 

He said the impact of the Orapa football team must not only be in silverware but also to make a positive impact in the region.

On other issues, Mr Motlhabani told the sub-council that Debswana schools were full due to high demand, adding that they would, however, consider admitting public servants’ children in their schools. 

He told the meeting that street vendors had not been barred from operating in Orapa.

Furthermore, he explained that Debswana could not buy from small-medium suppliers during the lockdown because they could not meet the volume of food baskets required.

Mr Motlhabani was responding to councillor Basiami Sentsho of Xhumu-Mmadikola who had requested for an update on the mine’s future plans.

He was also responding to Orapa councillor Balopi Chilume who had proposed that Debswana and Lucara Botswana should partner in delivering projects in the sub-district.

On the other hand, Cllr Boitumelo Kgosi of Letlhakane North had asked whether preparations for Cut-3 were still ongoing. Ends